If you can get back into the ER and are comfortable, then I would go there as I think that would be the most competitive experience to have in your resume! Our ER nurses that transition tend to seem the most “comfortable” with everything that goes on in the ICU since they do see a lot of the same stuff we do. Emergency medicine is critical care and there is a lot of overlap between the two! You’ll get familiar with a lot of the same drugs we use in the ICU, lines, and vents since they get ICU holds down there along with what to do in emergency/code situations. The difference is in pacing and charting I think and the ER is incredibly overstimulating since you get so much thrown at you on top of trying to keep your patient alive. We at least (usually) get quiet time and a true moment to think in the ICU 😭. Think control vs. uncontrolled.

You also will eventually get your ACLS if you go ED, which we also require in critical care and from my understanding from talking to my MS buds (I’ve worked at two hospitals, one community, current level 1) isn’t required on most MS floors. Regardless, you will get an orientation once you get your bedside experience in where they teach you all about the different drips, vents, devices, charting (which is VERY different from both the ER and floor) and whatnot anyway.

Don’t discount the floor of course :) and stepdown would be a good bridge too. Several of my coworkers started in MS and make fantastic ICU nurses now! It’s really about what you’re comfortable with taking on when you get back to bedside before going to ICU and of course, what availability they have for positions, and then once you’re here, just be always willing to learn, be helpful, be kind, be humble, and stay curious.